Calaboose: meaning, definitions and examples

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calaboose

 

[ หˆkรฆl.ษ™หŒbuหs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

prison cell

Calaboose refers to a small jail or prison, often used in a historical context. The term has its roots in the Spanish word 'calabozo', which means dungeon. Often associated with rural or temporary detentions, calabooses were commonly found in towns before the establishment of larger and more formal correctional facilities. They served as holding places for individuals awaiting trial or for law enforcement purposes. While the term is mostly archaic today, it may still appear in literary works or discussions about historical penal systems.

Synonyms

dungeon, jail, prison

Examples of usage

  • The old calaboose stood at the edge of town, long abandoned.
  • After a night of rowdiness, the troublemakers found themselves thrown into the calaboose.
  • In the 19th century, this calaboose was a common sight in frontier towns.
  • He spent the night in the calaboose for disturbing the peace.

Translations

Translations of the word "calaboose" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น cela

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเฅ‡เคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Zelle

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sel

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะปั–ั‚ะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ cela

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็‹ฌๆˆฟ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท cellule

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ celda

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hรผcre

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋…๋ฐฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฒู†ุฒุงู†ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ cela

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ cela

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็‰ขๆˆฟ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ celica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ klefi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะปะตั‚ะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒšแƒ˜แƒขแƒ”

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hรผcrษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ celda

Word origin

The word 'calaboose' has its origins in the Spanish term 'calabozo', which translates to 'dungeon' or 'prison'. The Spanish term itself is derived from Arabic 'qฤlลซb', meaning 'a place of confinement'. It entered the English language in the mid-19th century, primarily used in the context of American frontier towns. During this period, when law enforcement was minimal, calabooses served as temporary holding cells for those apprehended by local lawmen. Their construction was often simple, with basic bars and minimal amenities. Over time, as formal penitentiaries developed, the usage of the term declined, though it occasionally resurfaces in historical literature or colloquial expressions. The evolution of the word reflects broader changes in societal attitudes towards punishment and incarceration.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,503, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.